Lincoln’s Stovepipe Hat Doubled as a Document Safe

Abraham Lincoln’s famous stovepipe hat was more than a fashion statement. It was a smart way to keep important documents safe. The hat was bought by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation in 2007 for $23 million.

This hat is one of only three known to exist. The other two are at the Smithsonian and Hildene, Robert Todd Lincoln’s home in Vermont. The collection has about 1,500 items related to Lincoln and his assassin, John Wilkes Booth. It’s a rich collection of presidential history.

Key Takeaways

• Lincoln’s stovepipe hat served as a secure document safe
• The hat was part of the Louise Taper Collection
• It’s one of only three confirmed Lincoln hats
• The collection was purchased for $23 million in 2007
• The hat is now at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

The Iconic Stovepipe Hat: More Than Just a Fashion Statement

Abraham Lincoln’s stovepipe hat is a symbol of his unique style. He bought it in Springfield in the 1850s. This beaver fur hat became a key part of his public image.

The hat is now a main attraction at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Its preservation and authentication keep this piece of history alive. It shows us a direct link to the 16th President and his time.

The Taper Collection includes this famous hat and other important items. These include Lincoln’s blood-stained gloves from the night he was assassinated and a page from his “sum book”. This book shows his early education in Indiana.

Keeping these items safe for the future is crucial. It lets us feel connected to history, just like the preservation of the Declaration of Independence. These items give us a peek into the life and times of a much-loved American president.

Lincoln’s Hat as Document Safe: A Clever Presidential Innovation

Abraham Lincoln’s famous stovepipe hat was more than just a fashion statement. It had a secret: it was a safe for documents. Lincoln turned his hat into a portable filing cabinet, showing his practical side.

This hat is a key part of Lincoln’s history. Along with his goose quill pen and presidential seal, it tells us about his daily life. These items show how resourceful Lincoln was in keeping important papers safe while moving around.

Lincoln’s hat is a great example of his problem-solving skills. It shows how he could find new uses for everyday items. This way, he kept important documents safe and made his work easier. The hat’s role in keeping documents safe and as a fashion item shows Lincoln’s diverse talents.